Cristiano Ronaldo will make his sixth World Cup appearance when Portugal open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston — and the Portuguese captain arrives with a historic chance to score at a sixth consecutive World Cup, a feat that would place him ahead of Lionel Messi in the competition's record books.

The occasion carries added significance after Tuesday's opening fixtures, in which Messi and Erling Haaland commanded the headlines. Ronaldo's participation also draws him level with Messi in terms of World Cup appearances, and a goal on matchday one would break that particular tie in emphatic fashion.

A first World Cup in 51 years for DR Congo

This match is already a milestone moment for DR Congo. The Leopards are appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 — and the first time ever under the Democratic Republic of Congo name. In West Germany that year, competing as Zaire, they lost all three group stage matches without scoring a single goal.

With players of the calibre of Yoane Wissa and Chancel Mbemba in their ranks, alongside a number of players based in Europe's top leagues, DR Congo will be determined to register a first goal, a first point, and a first win on the World Cup stage. Head coach Sebastien Desabre will know, however, that this is not the fixture to chase those milestones against.

Portugal in commanding form ahead of Group K opener

Portugal have qualified for every World Cup since 2002 and advanced from the group stage in both 2018 and 2022. Under Roberto Martinez, they arrive in the United States in excellent shape — unbeaten since a defeat to the Republic of Ireland in qualifying, and carrying momentum from a 9-1 hammering of Armenia in their final qualifier, followed by friendly wins over the USA, Chile, and Nigeria.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo is expected to be at his final World Cup, and he and Martinez have both been building towards this moment. With Group K fixtures against debutants Uzbekistan and 2014 quarter-finalists Colombia still to come, a commanding opening win over DR Congo would give Portugal an early foothold in the group.

The bookmakers reflect Portugal's dominance, listing them at 2/9 to win the match. Provided Martinez's side remain organised and clinical in front of goal, there is little reason to expect anything other than a comfortable Portuguese victory.

Score prediction: Portugal 3-0 DR Congo